A man in Bristol, who posed as a fitness photographer has been jailed for the rape of two men at his home after luring them with the promise of a photoshoot.
Nigel Brent Wilkinson, 43, of Hill Avenue has been jailed after admitting to two counts of rape and three counts of administering a substance with intent to rape and possession of class C drugs Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) and Nitrazepam.
The photographer was sentenced to 11 years at the Bristol Crown Court today.
Det Con Stacey Matthews said,
“Nigel Wilkinson promoted himself as a male fitness photographer and last summer set up an online enterprise called WilkoPhotography.
“He’d use social media to identify men he wanted to photograph and would invite them to Bristol for a photoshoot.
“The men would often stay at his home and throughout their visit he would ply them with alcoholic drinks, some of which were laced with sedatives.
“While they were in a drugged state, Wilkinson’s predatory nature would prevail and he’d commit sexual acts on them without their consent.
“We began our investigation in February 2016, when Kent Police were called by the girlfriend of the 19-year-old victim who received a concerning text message from him saying he believed he’d been drugged.
“We went to Wilkinson’s home and found the victim inside. He was taken to hospital and tests were carried out which found traces of a sedative in his system.
“He attended a Sexual Assault Referral Centre for more tests and our investigation continued, resulting in officers attending Wilkinson’s home in April to arrest him.
“When they arrived, they found a 23-year-old man asleep on the sofa. He was also taken to hospital and then The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bristol. There was evidence he’d been drugged and raped.
“On the surface, Nigel Wilkinson was a photographer with an interest in male fitness models. In private, he was a cunning sexual offender who used his photography enterprise as a cover and catalyst for his deviant activities.
“The victims have shown immense bravery, dignity and courage throughout our investigation and I’d like to thank them for the support they’ve given the investigation team. These crimes have had a significant impact on them and their families.
“We believe there’ll be more victims who haven’t yet come forward and I’d urge them to do so. If you’ve had any contact with Nigel Wilkinson or WilkoPhotography, or have come into contact with him through dating websites or dating apps, please call Avon and Somerset Police on 101 quoting reference number 5216165860.”
PC Mike Steven, who is leading our Force’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of male rape and sexual assault and improve services for victims, said:
“The circumstances of this case are truly horrifying.
“The victims have all attended Sexual Assault Referral Centres and are being given continual access to any expert services they may need now or in the future.
“I’d encourage any other victim of Nigel WIlkinson to come forward and speak to us. We’re always here and ready to listen to, believe and respect victims.
“Our vital work to change perceptions and improve our response to male victims of rape or sexual assault is continuing to evolve and I hope it’s encouraging more victims to find the strength to come forward.
“If you don’t want to speak to the police, please speak to someone. Don’t suffer in silence.”
If you want to report a rape or sexual assault but don’t want to speak to the police, you can contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre – available 24/7, 365 days a year. Details of your local SARC can be found atwww.thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc
